Have you watched actors give a powerful performance and wondered how they did it? What was going on in their heads? How did they move from joy to anger to laughter and tears in the same song? Now you have the chance to find out.

Enlightened Theatrics is teaming with Broadway Dreams Foundation to present a master class, “Vocal Performance: Acting a Song,” on Oct. 4 at the Historic Grand Theatre. Audience members will watch as local performers get schooled by Broadway professionals on how to analyze, interpret and bring a song to life. Think “A Chorus Line” only without the sadistic director.

Broadway Dreams is a national performing-arts education program. The nonprofit is dedicated to training aspiring artists of all ages who seek to build careers in the performing arts. The organization offers intensive workshop, mentorship and networking opportunities to students of all economic means.

Vincenzo Meduri, Enlightened Theatrics’ producing artistic director, said this is Broadway Dreams’ first workshop in the Northwest.

“It was just a perfect match. It fits what both of us aspire to do,” Meduri said. “Our tagline is ‘Broadway to Salem.’ We’re trying to stick to that and bring that quality of education and expertise to our community.”

Craig D’Amico, Broadway Dreams’ director of education, will teach the master class. His Broadway credits include “Annie Get Your Gun” and "Fiddler on the Roof.” The New York University graduate also performed in many national tours before he was inspired by an acting teacher to become a teaching artist. D’Amico said the workshop will benefit all who attend whether onstage or in the audience.

Craig D'Amico, a Broadway professional who is the director of education for the Broadway Dreams Foundation, will lead a pool of local actors in a master class Oct. 4 at the Historic Grand Theatre. The event came to Salem via Enlightened Theatrics and is open to the public.(Photo: Courtesy of Enlightened Theatrics)

“What we are doing with these students is what we do with professionals. We are going to hold them to a high standard, push them and be honest,” D’Amico said. “We hope people will get an insight into what that process is … what an actor goes through, and I’m hoping the audience understands the bravery and dedication it takes to be an actor.”

D’Amico will be joined by Annette Tanner, who is Broadway Dreams’ producer and executive director, and Ryann Redmond, who most recently acted in the Broadway musical “If/Then” starring Idina Menzel. Redmond originated the role of Bridget in the Tony-nominated “Bring It On: The Musical.”

Broadway Dreams is in its 10th year. D’Amico said Redmond is one of more than 60 Dreams’ students who have landed roles on Broadway, in national tours and in regional productions.

“Ryann Redmond is special. She came to the very first Broadway Dreams 10 years ago. She made her journey through the programs as a regular student, intern, scholarship recipient and assistant,” D’Amico said.

Redmond will close the master class with a performance. Afterward, attendees will be able to meet her and the other teachers.